Delta refused refunds over canceled flights. Now travelers may be entitled to cash

Delta Air Lines could owe you more than a free in-flight snack.

Customers who were given a travel credit instead of a refund for flights canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a cash payment under the terms of a class-action settlement.

There’s also an option to keep the credit and receive an interest payment, according to the settlement administrator’s website.

Eligible travelers looking to get their share have until Friday, Sept. 15, to file a claim.

The complaint, filed in April 2020, accused the Atlanta-based airline of violating its contract with ticket holders when it refused to refund the full cost of their tickets. Instead, travelers were offered an e-credit to use on future travel.

“Since the beginning of 2020, we’ve refunded over 11 million tickets totaling $6 billion, of which 20% took place in 2022,” a Delta spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement.

The airline has denied any wrongdoing in the case and agreed to settle claims of “unfair, deceptive, and unjust” conduct against its passengers.

Here’s what to know as the deadline to apply for a cash payment draws near:

Who’s eligible?

Customers who are U.S. citizens and were issued a credit on a non-refundable ticket bought for a flight scheduled between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, that was canceled by Delta because of COVID-related issues are eligible to file a claim, according to the settlement notice.

Customers must have unused or partially unused credit as of Jan. 13, 2023.

How do I file a claim?

Claim forms can be submitted online via the settlement administrator’s website. You’ll need to have your Unique ID number, included in an emailed notice, to complete the form.

Those who don’t have an ID number can fill out the form but must provide supporting documents including receipts showing the ticket purchase, according to the website.

Claim forms can also be mailed in but must be postmarked no later than Sept. 15.

How much will I be paid?

Eligible travelers can choose to receive a cash payment or credit payment with interest, so refund amounts will vary.

Those who opt for the cash settlement will be refunded their remaining unused or partially unused travel credit amount as of Sept. 15, the administrator’s website states. Travelers who’ve already used their credit can receive an interest payment instead.

Delta customers who opt for the credit payment can keep their travel credit. Additionally, they’ll receive an interest credit “equal to 7% of the original ticket amount” of unused and partially used credits, the administrator said.

There are a few restrictions, however.

Travel credits must be redeemed by Dec. 31, 2023, for flights no later than Dec. 31, 2024. Customers with multiple unused credits may choose either a cash or credit payment for each.

When will I get paid?

A hearing to finalize the details of the settlement is scheduled for Oct. 5, administrators said. If approved, customers who submitted valid claims will be refunded — but only after any appeals have been resolved.

This process can be lengthy, administrators said, and may take up to a year.

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